The Amphora Apple Project

A short time back I picked up an Amphora apple at an antique store for $8. I’ve been looking for a cheap pipe to attempt a restore on and this fit the bill.

The pipe wasn’t in too bad of shape to start with with mild oxidation on the stem, scratches around the bowl, a little faded stain, and some buildup on the rim. Reaming to wood, a deep cleaning, and alcohol/cotton ball treatment came first. I used Walker Briarworks stem restore product to remove the oxidation from the stem. Since I wanted some experience with staining I removed the original stain with a soak in isopropyl alcohol (which also doubled to remove the tar buildup on the rim). Scratches were taken care of with micro mesh pads. The bowl was then stained and buffed.

It’s not perfect but for a first attempt I’m pretty satisfied with it. I certainly learned a few things, which was the primary goal. The next step is to give it a test smoke and see how it goes, but even it doesn’t smoke worth a damn it was a cheap learning experience!

BrewdudeModerator

Age : 67Location : Arid-zonaRegistration date : 2011-05-04

Subject: Re: The Amphora Apple Project Tue Mar 12, 2019 10:20 am

For a first attempt that looks first rate Rail Man!

Cheers,

RR

_________________"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin

x 3

Site moderator and BoB Bomber's co-commander.

peanubutter

Age : 61Location : Cheyenne, WYRegistration date : 2019-01-20

Subject: Re: The Amphora Apple Project Tue Mar 12, 2019 12:12 pm

I think you did a great job on the pipe and I have been toying with the same idea.

Rail Man

Age : 36Location : North DakotaRegistration date : 2007-12-23

Subject: Re: The Amphora Apple Project Tue Mar 12, 2019 12:42 pm

Thanks guy! Peanubutter I’d definitely go for it if I were you, just jumping right in (with a little research of course) wasn’t as intimidating as I thought it may be, and it’s fun and rewarding.